North Pole-born Copley records 1st career shutout days before Christmas

Washington Capitals netminder Pheonix Copley may have given himself the greatest gift this holiday season with his performance Saturday night in Ottawa.

The 26-year-old backup made 35 saves versus the Senators in a 4-0 win for the first shutout of his career. The blank sheet is a nice milestone on its own but the story within the story is an all-timer.

Copley's shutout came in the Capitals' final game before the Christmas break, which normally wouldn't hold much significance until you consider he hails from North Pole, Alaska.

Entering the contest, Copley owned a 7-3-1 record and a .894 save percentage.

Merry Christmas, indeed.